Poppies Crisis - Record low attendance for County Cup clash

Jon Dunham

Crisis-stricken Kettering Town hit a new record low as they beat Peterborough Northern Star 2-0 in the first round of the NFA Hillier Senior Cup on Tuesday night.

Just 34 people were on hand to watch the game at Nene Park and that has now been confirmed as the lowest crowd ever to watch a Poppies game either home or away, whether it be a friendly, County Cup, regular cup or league match.

The record-low attendance came at the end of a day that saw news of the Poppies falling behind in their Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) payments come to light.

Former club official Ritchie Jeune made the accusation on social networking site twitter and information received by the Northamptonshire Telegraph back up the claims with it being understood that the club have a sum of around £3,000 to pay, a figure which must be dealt with in the next two weeks.

Majority shareholder Imraan Ladak claims to still be in negotiations with a new potential investor.

But in the meantime, the problems continue to escalate at Nene Park with defender Oscar Radford being the latest players to leave the club.

It is believed Radford had placed 14-days’ notice on his contract after the playing squad didn’t receive their full wages in September and that ran out following last night’s win over the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Premier Division side, which came courtesy of Warren Byerley’s second-half brace.

Radford took to twitter to say his farewells.

He said: “Would just like to thank almost everyone at Kettering Town. My landlady, the staff, the stewards, the players and especially the fans who have shown support to me through my short stay at the club.

“I’m absolutely gutted it hasn’t turned out how it should have. I’ve got lots of memories which wont be forgotten & I’m thankful for being given a chance. Hope the future is more positive for everyone.”

Elsewhere in the Hillier Cup, Wellingborough Town won 2-0 at Irchester United while Desborough Town claimed a 1-0 success at Stewarts & Lloyds after extra-time.

Keep visiting this website and pick up Thursday’s Northamptonshire Telegraph for the latest on the situation at Kettering Town.